Complete Guide to Dishes, Prices & Locations
If you love classic Southern comfort food, the cracker barrel menu is probably already on your radar. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is famous for all-day breakfast, big homestyle plates, and its cozy country-store vibe. The brand has nearly 660 restaurants across more than 40 U.S. states, so chances are good there’s a cracker barrel near me when you search on your phone or GPS.
In this guide, you’ll learn how the cracker barrel menu is organized, which dishes are most popular, how to choose meals for different diets, and how to find the best cracker barrel locations for you. We’ll also touch on nutrition, allergens, and smart money-saving ideas so your visit is both delicious and stress-free.
To keep things simple, the guide is divided into clear sections with image ideas, bullets, and practical tips you can use on your next trip to any cracker barrel store.
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$23.99Understanding the Cracker Barrel Menu: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Classics
The cracker barrel menu is built around classic Southern comfort food. The restaurant is well known for serving breakfast all day, plus generous lunch and dinner plates that feel like a homemade meal. The official menu highlights categories such as all-day breakfast, homestyle favorites, chicken and seafood plates, country fried dishes, salads, sandwiches, and family meals.
Main sections of the Cracker Barrel menu
You’ll usually see these big groups when you open a menu in any Cracker Barrel Old Country Store:
- All-Day Breakfast – Eggs, pancakes, French toast, biscuits n’ gravy, hashbrown casserole, and “build your own” breakfast plates.
- Homestyle Favorites – Chicken n’ Dumplins, Meatloaf, Country Fried Steak, Southern Fried Chicken, pot roast and other slow-cooked classics.
- Chicken & Seafood – Fried or grilled chicken, catfish, shrimp plates, and seasonal seafood specials.
- Steaks & Country Plates – Sirloin steak, ribeye (at some cracker barrel locations), country ham, pork chops, and sampler plates with multiple meats.
- Salads & Lighter Choices – Chef salads, grilled chicken salads, baked potatoes and veggie plates with several sides.
- Kids’ Menu – Smaller breakfast, lunch and dinner plates, often with kid-friendly sides and drinks.
- Desserts & Beverages – Fruit cobbler, sundaes, seasonal pies, plus tea, coffee, soft drinks and milkshakes, depending on the cracker barrel menu in that store.
Prices can vary slightly between cracker barrel locations, but third-party menu trackers usually show breakfast plates starting roughly in the $8–$12 range and larger lunch or dinner platters from about $10–$15, depending on the protein and sides you choose.
Signature dishes people love
Food and travel writers often highlight a few famous picks from the cracker barrel menu:
- Momma’s Pancake Breakfast® – Fluffy pancakes with eggs and your choice of bacon or sausage.
- Chicken n’ Dumplins – Tender chicken in a rich broth with soft dumplings, sometimes ranked among the most popular dishes.
- Country Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken – Crispy fried meat covered with sawmill gravy, often part of big breakfast or dinner combos.
- Meatloaf & Homestyle Chicken – Classic comfort food plates with mashed potatoes, veggies, and biscuits or cornbread.
- Hashbrown Casserole & Fried Apples – Famous side dishes that many editors and fans rank near the top of all Cracker Barrel sides.
Because breakfast is served all day, you can order pancakes at dinner, or choose a big breakfast plate at 3 p.m. if that’s what sounds good. This flexibility is one of the main reasons people keep searching for a cracker barrel near me when planning long drives or family trips.
Image idea for this section:
A wide, bright shot of a Cracker Barrel table filled with pancakes, eggs, hashbrown casserole, fried chicken, biscuits, and sides, showing the variety of the cracker barrel menu.
How to Choose the Best Dishes From the Cracker Barrel Menu (For Every Craving)?
When you first sit down and open the cracker barrel menu, it can feel a little overwhelming. There are many combos, sides, and daily specials. The secret is to start with your craving—sweet, savory, light, or hearty—and then work down to the best plate for you. Using basic information from Cracker Barrel’s own nutrition and allergen guides, plus expert reviews of healthier options, you can build a meal that fits your taste and your lifestyle.
If you want a big, filling meal
For a serious appetite, these parts of the cracker barrel menu work well:
- Country boy-style breakfasts with multiple eggs, meat, hashbrown casserole, and biscuits.
- Chicken n’ Dumplins or Meatloaf platters with two or three country sides.
- Southern Fried Chicken or Country Fried Steak plates for guests who love lots of crispy coating and rich gravy.
These options are high in calories, so they are ideal when you are extra hungry or treating yourself on a road trip.
If you want something lighter or healthier
The cracker barrel menu also includes lighter breakfast and lunch choices. For example, guides to healthier options recommend the Good Morning Breakfast with egg whites, lean turkey sausage, fresh fruit and tomatoes.
Look for:
- Egg white or veggie-heavy breakfasts with fruit on the side.
- Grilled chicken salads or veggie plates with plenty of non-fried sides like green beans, carrots, fresh fruit, or baked potato.
- Oatmeal (when available) or simpler pancakes without heavy toppings if you want fewer calories and less sugar.
Cracker Barrel’s nutrition and allergen tools let you see calories, fat, sodium, and major allergens for each item. You can view them online before you go, or ask your server to help you check the latest charts in the cracker barrel store.
If you have allergies or special diets
If you need dairy-free, gluten-sensitive, or vegetarian-friendly options, the cracker barrel menu does offer choices, but you will need to be careful:
- Use Cracker Barrel’s official allergen guide and nutrition guide, which show common allergens like milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts and tree nuts.
- Independent guides also list dairy-free and vegan-friendly combinations, but always confirm with staff, because recipes can change between cracker barrel locations and over time.
- Ask your server about simple swaps: fruit instead of cheesy sides, grilled chicken instead of fried, or oil instead of butter on vegetables where possible.
If you’re dining with kids or older relatives
Cracker Barrel is popular with mixed-age families. The cracker barrel menu includes kids’ breakfasts, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, small burgers and more, often served with fruit or classic sides.
For seniors who prefer easier-to-chew dishes, soft items like Meatloaf, Chicken n’ Dumplins, mashed potatoes, beans, and cooked vegetables work very well. Many families share big plates and side dishes so everyone can taste a little of everything.
Image idea for this section:
A close-up shot of a family table at Cracker Barrel: kids’ plates, a lighter grilled chicken salad, and a big chicken n’ dumplins platter, showing how the cracker barrel menu suits different appetites.
How to Choose the Best Dishes From the Cracker Barrel Menu (For Every Craving)?
When you first sit down and open the cracker barrel menu, it can feel a little overwhelming. There are many combos, sides, and daily specials. The secret is to start with your craving—sweet, savory, light, or hearty—and then work down to the best plate for you. Using basic information from Cracker Barrel’s own nutrition and allergen guides, plus expert reviews of healthier options, you can build a meal that fits your taste and your lifestyle.
If you want a big, filling meal
For a serious appetite, these parts of the cracker barrel menu work well:
- Country boy-style breakfasts with multiple eggs, meat, hashbrown casserole, and biscuits.
- Chicken n’ Dumplins or Meatloaf platters with two or three country sides.
- Southern Fried Chicken or Country Fried Steak plates for guests who love lots of crispy coating and rich gravy.
These options are high in calories, so they are ideal when you are extra hungry or treating yourself on a road trip.
If you want something lighter or healthier
The cracker barrel menu also includes lighter breakfast and lunch choices. For example, guides to healthier options recommend the Good Morning Breakfast with egg whites, lean turkey sausage, fresh fruit and tomatoes.
Look for:
- Egg white or veggie-heavy breakfasts with fruit on the side.
- Grilled chicken salads or veggie plates with plenty of non-fried sides like green beans, carrots, fresh fruit, or baked potato.
- Oatmeal (when available) or simpler pancakes without heavy toppings if you want fewer calories and less sugar.
Cracker Barrel’s nutrition and allergen tools let you see calories, fat, sodium, and major allergens for each item. You can view them online before you go, or ask your server to help you check the latest charts in the cracker barrel store.
If you have allergies or special diets
If you need dairy-free, gluten-sensitive, or vegetarian-friendly options, the cracker barrel menu does offer choices, but you will need to be careful:
- Use Cracker Barrel’s official allergen guide and nutrition guide, which show common allergens like milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts and tree nuts.
- Independent guides also list dairy-free and vegan-friendly combinations, but always confirm with staff, because recipes can change between cracker barrel locations and over time.
- Ask your server about simple swaps: fruit instead of cheesy sides, grilled chicken instead of fried, or oil instead of butter on vegetables where possible.
If you’re dining with kids or older relatives
Cracker Barrel is popular with mixed-age families. The cracker barrel menu includes kids’ breakfasts, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, small burgers and more, often served with fruit or classic sides.
For seniors who prefer easier-to-chew dishes, soft items like Meatloaf, Chicken n’ Dumplins, mashed potatoes, beans, and cooked vegetables work very well. Many families share big plates and side dishes so everyone can taste a little of everything.
Image idea for this section:
A close-up shot of a family table at Cracker Barrel: kids’ plates, a lighter grilled chicken salad, and a big chicken n’ dumplins platter, showing how the cracker barrel menu suits different appetites.
Finding a Cracker Barrel Near Me: Locations, Hours & Old Country Store Experience
Once you know what you want to order from the cracker barrel menu, the next step is finding a convenient restaurant. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has grown from a single location in Tennessee to hundreds of restaurants across the United States. Official sources report nearly 660 cracker barrel locations in over 40 states, with strong coverage in the South and Midwest and growing presence in other regions.
How to find a Cracker Barrel near you
When people type “cracker barrel near me” into a search engine or maps app, they are usually directed to the brand’s official store locator. The locator lets you search by city, state, or ZIP code and shows addresses, directions, and key details for each cracker barrel store.
Here’s a simple step-by-step list:
- Open your browser or maps app. Type “cracker barrel near me” or simply “Cracker Barrel.”
- Tap the official Cracker Barrel location page. It’s usually labeled “Find a Cracker Barrel restaurant near you.”
- Enter your city, ZIP code, or allow location access. The site will show a list or map of nearby cracker barrel locations.
- Click your chosen store. You’ll see the exact address, phone number, directions, and a link to the local cracker barrel menu page.
- Check hours and services. Some stores offer curbside pickup, online ordering, catering, or specific holiday hours.
What makes the Old Country Store special?
Every Cracker Barrel restaurant includes an attached retail shop known as the cracker barrel old country store. This is more than just a waiting area—it’s part of the brand’s identity. Inside, you’ll typically find:
- Rocking chairs, décor, toys, games, and seasonal gifts.
- Packaged Cracker Barrel foods like pancake mix, coffee, syrups, and jams, so you can recreate favorites from the cracker barrel menu at home.
- Nostalgic candy, retro signs, and local decorative items that match the rustic theme of each restaurant.
Outside, most cracker barrel locations have a wide front porch lined with wooden rocking chairs and checkerboard tables, which have become a signature photo spot.
This mix of restaurant and retail shop is part of why many travelers seek out a cracker barrel near me during road trips. You can stretch your legs, browse the cracker barrel store, and then enjoy a relaxed meal from the cracker barrel menu before heading back on the road.
Image idea for this section:
An exterior photo of a Cracker Barrel restaurant showing the logo, front porch, and rows of white rocking chairs, emphasizing the Old Country Store atmosphere.
Seasonal & Holiday Specials on the Cracker Barrel Menu
One big reason people keep checking the cracker barrel menu is the changing seasonal and holiday options. During Thanksgiving, Christmas and other major holidays, Cracker Barrel rolls out special “Heat n’ Serve” meals and limited-time dishes that go beyond the everyday classics. Official holiday pages show family-size feasts built around ham, turkey or prime rib, plus a full spread of traditional sides and desserts, designed so you can host at home without doing all the cooking yourself.
Holiday Heat n’ Serve & special deals
Here’s how these seasonal offers usually work (details change year to year, so always check the latest cracker barrel menu online):
- Heat n’ Serve Feasts and Family Dinners
- Full meals with turkey or sugar-cured ham, stuffing or cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, cranberry relish and more.
- Designed to serve 4–6 or 8–10 guests, with heating instructions so you can have a complete dinner ready in about two hours.
- Holiday à la carte menu
- Extra pans of mac and cheese, fried apples, veggie sides and dinner rolls so you can mix and match with your own cooking.
- Festive in-restaurant deals
- Recent seasons have included “Meals for Two” weekday promotions, where two adults can get entrées and a shared starter or dessert for a single fixed price at participating cracker barrel locations.
- Kids’ holiday offers
- Newer promotions sometimes give children a small toy from the cracker barrel old country store with a kids’ meal during the holiday period, adding extra fun for families.
These seasonal options are useful if you love the taste of the cracker barrel menu but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. You can order online, pick up at your nearest cracker barrel store, and still host a big, traditional-style meal at home.
Step-by-Step: Planning the Perfect Visit to Cracker Barrel
To make your next visit smoother, here’s a simple step-by-step plan that combines what the cracker barrel menu offers with what you and your group actually need. This also helps if you’re on a road trip and only have a limited break from driving.
Step 1: Find the best “Cracker Barrel near me”
Start by searching “cracker barrel near me” or opening the official store locator. The locator shows every nearby restaurant, with address, phone, directions and sometimes a direct link to that store’s local menu and hours.
Step 2: Preview the menu online
Before you arrive, open the official cracker barrel menu page or a PDF of that store’s breakfast or lunch/dinner menu. Many guests like to check prices, see photos of new dishes, and compare portion sizes or calories using the nutrition guide.
Step 3: Plan your meal around your goals
Think about what you want most from the cracker barrel menu this visit:
- A big, comforting meal? Go for classics like Chicken n’ Dumplins, Meatloaf or a Country Boy-style breakfast.
- Something lighter? Look for grilled chicken salads, veggie plates, baked potatoes and fruit sides.
- A fun treat for the kids? Check the kids’ menu and ask about any current promotions at the cracker barrel store.
If you have allergies or health concerns, use Cracker Barrel’s allergen guide and nutrition pages while planning. These show potential cross-contact and list the main allergens in each dish.
Step 4: Choose dine-in, pickup or delivery
Many cracker barrel locations offer multiple service options:
- Dine-in: Enjoy the full Old Country Store atmosphere, rocking chairs on the porch, and table service.
- Curbside or carry-out: Order ahead, then pick up your food and eat wherever you like.
- Delivery: In some areas, delivery partners list the cracker barrel menu with estimated fees and times.
Choose what fits your time and mood. Travelers often like to dine-in for a break from the road, while busy families may prefer take-home meals.
Step 5: Enjoy the Old Country Store before or after your meal
Allow a few extra minutes to explore the cracker barrel old country store:
- Browse seasonal decorations, toys, games and regional souvenirs.
- Pick up pancake mix, coffee, jams or syrups inspired by the cracker barrel menu so you can enjoy similar flavors later.
Many guests treat the shop as part of the experience, not just a waiting area.
Step 6: Take leftovers and plan your next visit
Because portions can be generous, don’t hesitate to take leftovers home. Some guests even plan ahead and order a slightly larger meal from the cracker barrel menu just so they can enjoy it the next day. If you liked what you ordered, save photos or notes in your phone so it’s easy to reorder when you next search for a cracker barrel near me on a trip.
Recent Changes and Returning Favorites on the Cracker Barrel Menu
In 2025, Cracker Barrel went through a noticeable period of change. News reports describe how the company briefly tested a modernized logo and restaurant décor, then quickly reversed course after customers reacted strongly in favor of the classic look and feel.
Why this matters for guests and the menu
For regular guests, the big point is that Cracker Barrel is focusing again on what people loved in the first place:
- Traditional atmosphere: The familiar “Old Timer” style logo and Americana décor are staying, which matches the homestyle comfort on the cracker barrel menu.
- Return of fan-favorite dishes: The company has publicly committed to bringing back classics like Campfire Meals and Uncle Herschel’s Breakfast, and to retraining staff on older recipes that long-time customers remember.
- Focus on value and hospitality: Leadership statements emphasize reconnecting with guests, improving service and offering familiar, consistent dishes — important for families who rely on the cracker barrel menu during road trips or holiday gatherings.
This renewed focus is good news if you’re a fan who worried that the cracker barrel store might change too much. Over time, you can expect the chain to balance occasional new dishes with core plates that regulars already trust, creating a stable experience across most cracker barrel locations.
Tips to Get the Most From the Cracker Barrel Menu: Deals, Nutrition & Take-Home Options
The cracker barrel menu is already built for value, but there are smart ways to save money, manage calories, and enjoy more of your favorite flavors. Looking at current promotions, nutrition tools, and family-style packages will help you plan your visit like a pro.
Money-saving and value tips
Here are easy ways to stretch your budget at any cracker barrel store:
- Check weekday specials and bundle deals. Cracker Barrel often runs weekday values or “Meals for Two” promotions in participating locations, offering two entrées plus a shared appetizer or dessert for one fixed price.
- Order family meals or Heat n’ Serve packages. For holidays and special occasions, Cracker Barrel sells large holiday feasts and catering pans that serve big groups. These can be more affordable per person than separate plates.
- Share big platters and sides. Many plates on the cracker barrel menu are large enough to share, especially fried chicken, steak and big breakfast combinations. Splitting a main dish and adding extra sides can be both cheaper and lighter.
- Use online ordering or delivery apps. Ordering online through the official site or popular delivery platforms can help you track prices in advance and see current special offers.
Nutrition, allergens and special diets
If you are watching calories, sodium or certain allergens, Cracker Barrel provides detailed guides for the full cracker barrel menu, plus extra tools on its website.
Helpful steps include:
- Use the online nutrition calculator or PDF charts to compare meals and sides before you order. Look for lighter protein options, simple sides, and smaller portions.
- Check the allergen guide for milk, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts and other common allergens. Confirm with your server because kitchens may prepare fried foods in shared oil.
- Look at independent healthy-eating guides for tips on combinations that fit specific diets like low-calorie, higher protein, or lower sugar.
By using these resources, you can still enjoy the classic comfort food feel of the cracker barrel menu while staying closer to your health goals.
Bringing Cracker Barrel flavors home
The Old Country Store section of each restaurant also lets you bring a piece of the cracker barrel menu home:
- Retail food items such as pancake mix, syrups, coffee, and jarred sides like fried apples let you recreate a simple Cracker Barrel breakfast in your own kitchen.
- Holiday and catering trays can be ordered ahead for family gatherings so you don’t need to cook multiple dishes yourself.
- Some cracker barrel locations partner with delivery services, so you can enjoy your favorite dishes without leaving home—very handy if the nearest cracker barrel near me is still a bit of a drive.
Image idea for this section:
A lifestyle photo showing a Cracker Barrel Heat n’ Serve family meal on a dining table at home, alongside boxed pancake mix and syrup from the Old Country Store.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cracker Barrel Menu
1. Does the Cracker Barrel menu serve breakfast all day?
Yes. A key feature of the cracker barrel menu is all-day breakfast. You can order pancakes, eggs, biscuits n’ gravy, and other breakfast plates during lunch and dinner hours at most cracker barrel locations. The official breakfast section on their site is labeled “All-Day Breakfast” and includes classics like Momma’s Pancake Breakfast®, big homestyle combos, and lighter options.
2. What are the most popular items on the Cracker Barrel menu?
Food editors and fans often mention Chicken n’ Dumplins, Country Fried Steak, Meatloaf, Southern Fried Chicken, Momma’s Pancake Breakfast® and hashbrown casserole as favorites on the cracker barrel menu. Lists of top dishes from magazines and blogs repeatedly rank these items near the top, along with beloved sides such as fried apples and mac and cheese.
3. How can I find calorie and allergen info for the Cracker Barrel menu?
Cracker Barrel publishes a full nutrition guide and allergen guide online. These documents show calories, fat, sugar, sodium and allergen flags for the entire cracker barrel menu, including kids’ meals and sides. You can open them on your phone, print them at home, or ask the staff to help you look up specific dishes while you are at a cracker barrel store. Independent diet and allergy sites also review Cracker Barrel items and give tips on dairy-free, gluten-sensitive and vegan-friendly choices.
4. Are Cracker Barrel locations only in the South?
No. While Cracker Barrel started in Tennessee and is strongly associated with the South, there are now hundreds of cracker barrel locations in more than 40 states across the country. Florida, Texas, Tennessee and Georgia have especially high numbers of restaurants, but you’ll also find them in states like California, New York, Pennsylvania and Oregon. Searching “cracker barrel near me” in your maps app is the easiest way to see if there’s one along your route.
5. Can I order from the Cracker Barrel menu online for pickup or delivery?
Yes, in many areas you can browse the cracker barrel menu online, place an order for pickup, curbside service, or delivery through the official site or partner apps. The online menus often show current prices, specials, and family-style bundles, which makes planning easier and helps you compare options across cracker barrel locations. Just check your nearest cracker barrel store in the locator to see which services are available.
6. How much does a typical meal at Cracker Barrel cost?
Exact prices vary between cracker barrel locations, but delivery menus and PDF price lists show common ranges. Breakfast plates usually start around the lower double digits, while larger lunch and dinner entrées with two or three sides tend to be in the low to mid-teens. Family-size packages and Heat n’ Serve holiday meals cost more overall but often work out cheaper per person when feeding a group.
7. Are there vegetarian or gluten-sensitive choices on the Cracker Barrel menu?
Cracker Barrel does not market a fully vegetarian or gluten-free menu, but there are ways to build meals that fit these needs. Nutrition and allergen pages highlight ingredients and cross-contact risks for each item, so you can choose options like veggie plates, salads without meat, baked potatoes, fruit, and certain breakfast items. Guests with gluten concerns often rely on eggs, some meats cooked without breading, and naturally gluten-free sides, but must still watch for shared fryers and grills. Always confirm details at the cracker barrel store, because recipes and preparation can change.
8. Do I need reservations, and when are Cracker Barrel restaurants busiest?
Most cracker barrel locations operate on a walk-in basis, and many do not take traditional reservations. Instead, they manage wait lists in person or via phone during peak times. Weekend breakfast, Sunday after church hours, and holiday periods are typically the busiest. On long road trips, some travelers check the store’s listing in maps or on the official site to see typical wait times or call ahead for advice about slower windows to enjoy the cracker barrel menu without a long delay.
9. What should first-time visitors absolutely try from the Cracker Barrel menu?
If it’s your first time, start with one or two true classics. Many reviewers and long-time fans recommend a big all-day breakfast like Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast®, Momma’s Pancake Breakfast® or the Old Timer’s Breakfast, all of which showcase staples like eggs, biscuits, gravy and hashbrown casserole. For lunch or dinner, Chicken n’ Dumplins, Meatloaf, Southern Fried Chicken and country sides such as fried apples or mac and cheese repeatedly appear on “best of” lists for the cracker barrel menu